US10937393B2 - Electronic device including flexible display and content display method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device including a main body; a flexible display to be rolled up, wherein the rolled-up flexible display is placed in the main body; a sensor configured to detect unrolling of the flexible display; and a controller configured to control the flexible display to present information, and control to change a presentation position of the information on the flexible display in a direction opposite to a unrolling direction of the flexible display.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 62/147,832 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Apr. 15, 2015, and from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0070513 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 20, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND1. Field

Methods and apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments broadly relate to an electronic device including a flexible display and a content display method thereof, and more particularly, to a method for naturally displaying content on a display area that expands as a flexible display mounted on an electronic device such that it is withdrawable or retractable from a main body.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various types of displays are being developed. Recently, in order to satisfy users' needs for novel functions and wide variety of functions, flexible displays have been developed. A flexible display has a characteristic of being rollable like paper. This type of flexible display may be referred to as a rollable display.

This type of flexible display may be used in an electronic device such as a TV, a mobile device, tablet PC and the like. For example, a flexible display may be mounted on a main body of a TV such that it may be withdrawable or retractable, thereby realizing a wall-mountable TV. When the TV is turned off, the flexible display may be rolled into the main body of the TV, thereby not exposing a display area to outside or exposing only a small portion of the display area to the outside. When the TV is turned on, the flexible display may be withdrawn or retracted from the main body of the TV, exposing the display area of the flexible display to the outside. In order to withdraw or retract the flexible display from the main body of the TV, a user's force may be used to pull the flexible display or a driver may be used configured to automatically withdraw or retract the flexible display from the main body of the TV.

As the flexible display is withdrawn or retracted from the main body of the TV, the display area may expand.

SUMMARY

In an electronic device that includes a flexible display mounted on a main body of a TV such that it may be withdrawn or retracted, in a case of displaying a content on a display area while the display area expands, there occurs a problem that a position of the content being displayed on the display area changes as the display area expands.

An electronic device of an exemplary embodiment configured to scroll the content being displayed on the display area according to a speed and a direction of the withdrawal or retraction of the flexible display such that the portion of the content being displayed may gradually change proportional to the change in the display area as it expands or retracts.

According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided an electronic device including a main body; a flexible display to be rolled up, wherein the rolled-up flexible display is placed in the main body; a sensor configured to detect unrolling of the flexible display; and a controller configured to control the flexible display to present information, and control to change a presentation position of the information on the flexible display in a direction opposite to a unrolling direction of the flexible display.

The electronic device may further include a motor and a driver configured to drive the motor to unroll the flexible display, and the controller may control the driver and the motor.

The controller may determine a speed of the unrolling of the flexible display based on the signal output from the sensor, and determine a speed of the changing of the presentation position of the information based on the determined speed of the unrolling.

The controller may determine an amount of the unrolling of the flexible display based on the signal output from the sensor, and determine an amount of the changing of the presentation position of the information based on the determined amount of the unrolling.

The controller may determine whether to display the information on the flexible display from a top end or from a bottom end of the information according to at least one attribute of the information.

In response to an amount of the unrolling corresponding to a threshold value, the controller may provide a feedback message.

The threshold value may include a first value and a second value, and the controller may provide a first feedback message indicating the first value in response to the amount of the unrolling exceeding the first value, and may provide a second feedback message corresponding to the second value in response to the amount of the unrolling exceeding the second value.

The feedback message may be a visual feedback, and the controller may control the flexible display to display a line corresponding to the threshold value.

In response to the flexible display being rolled, the controller may control the flexible display to change the presentation position of the information displayed on the flexible display in an opposite direction to a direction in which the flexible display is being rolled, and to display a black screen on an area of the flexible display which is rolled into the main body.

In response to the flexible display being rolled, the controller may changes the presentation position of the information displayed on the flexible display in an opposite direction to a direction in which the flexible display is being rolled, and turn off an area of the flexible display which is inside the main body.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a content display method of an electronic device, the method including detecting a flexible display being unrolled from a main body; determining a unrolling of the flexible display; presenting information on the flexible display; and changing the presentation position of the information on the flexible display in a direction opposite to a unrolling direction of the flexible display.

The method may further include determining a speed of the unrolling of the flexible display; and determining a speed of the changing of the presentation position of the information based on the determined speed of the unrolling.

The method may further include determining an amount of the changing of the presentation position of the information based on an amount of the unrolling.

The method may further include determining whether to display the information on the flexible display from a top end or from a bottom end according to one or more attributes of the information.

The method may further include, in response to an amount of the unrolling corresponding to a threshold value, providing a feedback message.

The threshold value may include a first value and a second value, and the providing a feedback may involve providing a first feedback message indicating the first value in response to the amount of the unrolling exceeding the first value, and providing a second feedback message indicating the second value in response to the amount of the unrolling exceeding the second value.

The feedback message may be a visual feedback, and the providing the feedback message may involve displaying a line corresponding to the threshold value on the flexible display.

The method may further include detecting the flexible display being rolled; and changing the presentation position of the information displayed on the flexible display in an opposite direction to a direction in which the display is being rolled.

The method may further include displaying a black screen on an area of the flexible display which is rolled into the main body.

The method may further include turning off an area of the flexible display which is inside the main body.

The unrolling comprises one of: the flexible display being unrolled downward or upward outside the main body; and the flexible display being unrolled in right or left direction outside the main body.

The main body comprises a first portion storing a first portion of the flexible display and a second portion storing a second portion of the flexible display and the unrolling of the flexible display comprises moving the first portion of the main body and the second portion of the main body in opposite directions such that the flexible display is unrolled between the first portion and the second portion of the main body.

An electronic device of an exemplary embodiment may include a main body, a flexible display electrically or manually connected to the main body and mounted such that it may be retracted or rolled out of the main body, a sensor configured to sense a retraction of the display, and a controller configured to determine an amount or a direction of retraction of the display based on a signal output from the sensor, and to control the display to scroll content being displayed on the display in an opposite direction to the retraction direction based on the amount of the retraction of the flexible display, thereby expanding the displaying of the content proportional to the expansion of the display area as the display is rolled or retracted outside or inside the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or other aspects will be more apparent by describing certain exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of displaying a content according to a withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a process of displaying content on a display area according to a withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a display area of a flexible display of an electronic device expanding as the flexible display is being withdrawn or retracted according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a process of content disappearing from a display area as a flexible display of an electronic device is being rolled into or retracted back according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a process of content disappearing from a flexible display of an electronic device as the flexible display is being rolled into or retracted back according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 7 to 8 are views illustrating a process of displaying content on a flexible display of an electronic device as the flexible display is being withdrawn or retracted according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying an image in response to an electronic device being turned on according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying an image in response to an electronic device being turned off according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 12 to 15 are views illustrating content being displayed on a display area as a flexible display of an electronic device is being withdrawn or retracted according to yet another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are views illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display using a pattern according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are views illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display using a gyro sensor according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are views illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display using a gyro sensor and proximity sensor according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display using a variable resistance according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display using a variable resistance according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Certain exemplary embodiments are described in higher detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, like drawing reference numerals are used for the like elements, even in different drawings. The matters defined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments. However, exemplary embodiments can be practiced without those specifically defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the application with unnecessary detail.

Terms such as ‘1^st’, ‘2^nd’, ‘first’ and ‘second’ may be used to describe various components, but without limitation and regardless of their order and/or priority. These terms are used merely for the purpose of differentiating a component from other components. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices regardless of their order and/or priority. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and a second component may be referred to as a first component and so forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, ‘and/or’ may include any one of or a combination of the components mentioned.

Furthermore, a singular form may include a plural from as long as it is not specifically mentioned in a sentence. Furthermore, “has/have”, “may have”, “include/comprise” or “including/comprising” used in the specification indicate the existence of certain characteristics (for example: a numerical value, function, operation, or component), which does not exclude the possibility of existence of other characteristics.

In the present specification, expressions such as “A or B”, “at least one of A or/and B”, and “one or more of A or/and B” may include any possible combination of the components following those expressions. For example, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, and “at least one of A or B” may indicate all of the following: (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including at least one A and at least one B.

It is also noted that in the present specification, “connected”, or “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” refers to one component (for example: first component) not only directly coupling another component (for example: second component) but also indirectly coupling the other component through an intermediate component (for example: third component). On the other hand, “directly connected/directly coupled” refers to one component directly coupling another component without an intermediate component.

In the present specification, “configured (or set) to˜” may be changed to “suitable for˜”, “having the capacity to˜”, “designed to˜”, “adapted to˜”, “made to”, or “capable of˜”. The phrase “configured (or set) to˜” may not mean only “specifically designed to˜”. In some cases, the term “a device configured to˜” may mean that the device is “capable of˜” together with other devices or components. For example, “a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” may mean an exclusive processor (for example: embedded processor) for performing certain operations or a generic-purpose processor (for example: CPU or application processor) for performing certain operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

In the exemplary embodiment, a “module” or a “unit” performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented with hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of “modules” or a plurality of “units” may be integrated into at least one module except for a “module” or a “unit” which has to be implemented with specific hardware, and may be implemented with at least one processor (not shown).

Content may be a video, a still image, text, a graphic object or a webpage being displayed on a display area of a flexible display. The content may be just one content or include a plurality of contents.

To retract and/or retractable in an exemplary embodiment means moving a display outside of the main body. These movements include the display being unrolled out of the main body in any direction including upward, downward, left or right or a combination of these directions. Further, retract or unrolling may include continuous or stop and go movement of the display to the outside of the body.

A display area of a flexible display is an area being withdrawn from a main body thus being exposed to outside. It may be referred to as a screen. That is, hereinafter, a display area and a screen may be used to refer to the same element and may be used interchangeably.

The terms used in the present specification were used merely to explain certain exemplary embodiments, but not to limit the present disclosure to the certain exemplary embodiments. A singular form may include a plural form as long as it is not specifically mentioned otherwise in the context. All the terms used herein including technical and scientific terms may have the same meanings as would be generally understood by those skilled in the related art, and unless clearly defined otherwise, the terms should not be interpreted ideally or overly formerly. In some cases, even the terms defined in the present specification cannot be interpreted to exclude exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating anelectronic device100 according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 1 illustrates amain body110 and aflexible display103 of theelectronic device100. Theelectronic device100 may be a TV, a mobile phone, a tablet PC or the like. Themain body110 may include adriver101, acontroller105, and asensor107. Furthermore, themain body110 may be provided with an accompanying space for accompanying theflexible display103.

Theflexible display103 may be mounted such that it is rollable into themain body110 or withdrawable or retractable or unrollable from themain body110. Theflexible display103 may be driven by thedriver101 and be withdrawn or retracted from themain body110 automatically. Furthermore, theflexible display103 may be withdrawn or retracted from themain body110 manually. When theflexible display103 is withdrawn or retracted from themain body110, a display area may be exposed to the outside. The display area is a part of theflexible display103 withdrawn from themain body110 and exposed to the outside. On the other hand, a part of theflexible display103 rolled into themain body110 may be referred to as a screen off area. That is, theflexible display103 may include a screen off area and display area in which the image is being shown, viewable area.

Theflexible display103 may be rolled up, the rolled-up flexible display may be placed in the main body.

A size of the display area may change according to an amount of withdrawal or retractability of theflexible display103 from themain body110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, a size of the screen off area may change according to an amount of withdrawal or retraction from themain body110 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Thedriver101 may withdraw or retract theflexible display103. Thedriver101 may include an actuator, and theflexible display103 may be withdrawn or retracted outside themain body110 by the actuator. For example, thedriver101 may include a motor and gear, and the motor may be rotated by the control of the controller10 so as to withdraw theflexile display103. As the motor is rotated, theflexible display103 may be rolled or unrolled, and withdrawn or retracted from themain body110.

Thesensor107 may sense a withdrawal/retractability and/or an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103. Thesensor107 may detect rolling or unrolling of the flexible display. Examples of thesensor107 that may be used herein include an optical sensor, a gyro sensor, a proximity sensor, and an encoder. The optical sensor may be a barcode sensor configured to recognize a barcode printed on theflexible display103 and sense a withdrawal/retraction and an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103. Furthermore, the optical sensor may recognize a color pattern or black and white pattern printed on theflexible display103 so as to sense a withdrawal/retraction and/or an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103.

The gyro sensor may be mounted on theflexible display103, and a signal being output from the gyro sensor may change according to the amount of withdrawal or the amount of retraction of theflexible display103.

The encoder may output an electric signal based on a number of rotations of the motor. The amount of withdrawal or retraction changes according to the number of rotations of the motor, and the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103 may be measured from the signal output from the encoder.

Thecontroller105 may control the overall operations of the electronic device, and determine the amount of withdrawal or retraction or unrolling of theflexible display103 based on the signal output from thesensor107. A method for determining the amount of withdrawal or retraction or unrolling of theflexible display103 according to various exemplary embodiments will be explained later with reference toFIGS. 16 to 20.

Thecontroller105 may control the content being displayed on the display area of theflexible display103 to be scrolled in an opposite direction to the withdrawal direction of the flexible display based on the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103.

Thecontroller105 may control the flexible display to present information, and control to change a presentation area of the information on the flexible display in a direction opposite to a rolling or unrolling direction of the flexible display.

As theflexible display103 is withdrawn or retracted, a size of the display area of theflexible display103 changes. Thecontroller105 may measure an amount and speed of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103 based on the signal being output from thesensor107. Thecontroller105 may scroll the content being displayed on theflexible display103 in an opposite direction to the withdrawal direction of theflexible display103 based on the amount and speed of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103. For example, in response to theflexible display103 being withdrawn or retracted in a downward direction, thecontroller105 may scroll or move the content being displayed on theflexible display103 in an upward direction that is the opposite direction to the withdrawal direction of theflexible display103. Herein, the speed of the scroll or move of the content may be proportionate to the withdrawal or retraction speed of theflexible display103. For example, if the speed of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103 is 0.5 m/sec, the speed of scroll or move of the content may be 0.5 m/sec.

That is, thecontroller105 measures the speed at which theflexible display103 is withdrawn or retracted, and controls the content being displayed on the display area. Thecontroller105 may calculate the number of pixels that should be moved in the display area according to a refresh rate and move a position of a screen layout in an opposite direction to which theflexible display103 expands.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of displaying content according to a withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103 of theelectronic device100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

When the power of theelectronic device100 is turned on, thecontroller105 senses an initial position of theflexible display103. Theflexible display103 may be completely rolled into themain body110 of theelectronic device100, leaving no area exposed to the outside. Otherwise, theflexible display103 may be partially exposed to the outside of themain body110 of theelectronic device100. Thecontroller105 senses the withdrawal or retraction state of theflexible display103 based on the signal output from the sensor107 (in operation S201), according to an exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, the controller determines an amount and direction of the withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103 based on the signal output from the sensor107 (in operation S203). In order to determine the initial amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103 with the power turned on, thecontroller105 may receive the signal output from thesensor107 and determine the initial amount of the withdrawal or retraction. In response to having a pattern on theflexible display103 for sensing the amount of withdrawal or retraction, thecontroller105 may analyze pattern information scanned by thesensor107 and determine the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103.

For example, when theflexible display103 is withdrawn or retracted from themain body110 before theelectronic device100 is turned on, in response to the power of theelectronic device100 being turned on, thecontroller105 may receive information about the pattern of theflexible display103 output from thesensor107, and determine that the amount of withdrawal or retraction of the currentflexible display103 is 20 cm.

Thecontroller105 determines the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103 according to an exemplary embodiment, and determines a size of the display area according to the amount of withdrawal or retraction determined. In response to the size of the display area being determined, thecontroller105 displays content on theflexible display103 based on the area of the flexible display103 (in operation S205). For example, in response to the total size of theflexible display103 being 55 inches (length: 68 cm), and a length of the current flexible display withdrawn or retracted being 20 cm, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display103 to display on the screen the content corresponding to 20 cm from the top end from among the entire content.

Thecontroller105 may control thedriver101 to withdraw or retract theflexible display103. Thecontroller105 may sense the speed and direction of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103 based on the signal output from thesensor107. For example, thecontroller105 may measure a number of rotations of the motor from the signal output from the encoder, and determine the speed, direction, and amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103.

As theflexible display103 is withdrawn, the amount of withdrawal may change continuously, and the size of the display area may continue to change accordingly. Thecontroller105 may determine the speed, direction, and amount of withdrawal of theflexible display103 based on the signal output from thesensor107, and scroll the content being displayed on theflexible display103 in an opposite direction to the withdrawal direction of theflexible display103 according to the speed, direction, and amount of withdrawal or retraction of the flexible display103 (in operation S207). For example, in response to theflexible display103 being withdrawn or retracted in a downward direction at a speed of 0.5 m/sec, thecontroller105 may scroll the content being displayed on theflexible display103 in an upward direction at the speed of 0.5 m/sec. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the speed of moving or scrolling the content is based on the speed of withdrawing or retraction of theflexible display103. For example, the speed of moving or scrolling the content may be proportional to the speed of withdrawing or retraction of theflexible display103 in a1:1 correspondence. This is provided by way of an example only and not by way of a limitation. Other relationships may also be set up.

Thecontroller105 may determine the speed of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display103 based on the signal output from thesensor107, and may determine or calculate a speed of scroll or movement of the content based on the determined speed of withdrawal or retraction.

In response to the amount of withdrawal or retraction being determined, thecontroller105 may determine or calculate the amount of scroll or movement of the content based on the determined amount of withdrawal or retraction. The content may have an attribute, and thecontroller105 may determine whether to display the content from the top end or from the bottom end according to the attribute of the content, in an exemplary embodiment.

When the amount of withdrawal or retraction increases as theflexible display103 is withdrawn or retracted, and the amount of withdrawal or retraction reaches a threshold value, thecontroller105 may provide a feedback corresponding to the threshold value, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The threshold value may include a first value and a second value, and in response to the amount of withdrawal or retraction being more than the first value, thecontroller105 may provide feedback corresponding to the first value, and in response to the amount of withdrawal being more than the second value, thecontroller105 may provide feedback corresponding to the second value, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In an exemplary embodiment, the feedback is a visual feedback, and in response to the display area of theflexible display103 expanding so as to reach the first value, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display103 to display a line corresponding to the first value as the visual feedback, and in response to the display area of theflexible display103 expanding to so as to reach the second value, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display103 to display a line corresponding to the second value as the visual feedback.

For example, in response to the display area of the flexible display expanding such that a width of the display area satisfies a width:length ratio of 4:3, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display103 to display a line surrounding the display area corresponding to the ratio of 4:3 on the display area. In response to the display area of theflexible display103 expanding continuously such that a width of the display area satisfies a width:length ratio of 16:9, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display103 to display a line surrounding the display area corresponding to the ratio of 16:9 on the display area, but the visual feedback is not limited to above-described exemplary embodiment.

In response to theflexible display103 being rolled, thecontroller105 senses the rolling of theflexible display103. Thecontroller105 may sense the rolling of theflexible display103 based on the signal output from thesensor107. In response to theflexible display103 being rolled into themain body110, thecontroller105 may scroll the content being displayed on theflexible display103 in an opposite direction to the direction in which theflexible display103 is being rolled. Thecontroller105 may control theflexible display103 to display a black screen on an area of theflexible display103 rolled into themain body110 that is thus not exposed to the outside. Furthermore, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display103 to turn off a screen of the area of theflexible display103 rolled into the main body that is thus not exposed to the outside.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a process of displaying content on a screen according to an amount of withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates themain body301 and theflexible display303. Asize311,313,315 of content being displayed on the flexible display310 may change according to the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display303.FIG. 3 illustrates a state where, theflexible display303 is not exposed outside of themain body301 for example when the power of the electronic device is turned off, a state where theflexible display303 is withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body301 by about 30 cm (321), a state where theflexible display303 is withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body301 by about 70 cm (323), and a state where theflexible display303 is withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body301 by about 105 cm (325). When theflexible display303 is completely exposed or extracted outside of themain body301, the length of the display area may be 105 cm. The length of the display area of theflexible display303 may be the same or smaller than the length of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display303, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In response to the power of the electronic device being turned on, theflexible display303 may be withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body301, and the display area may be exposed to the outside and expanded accordingly. As the display area expands, thesize311,313,315 of the content being displayed on the display area may change.

For example, in response to an entire size of the display area being 85 inches (length: 105 cm), the length of the content being displayed on the display area may be 105 cm.

When the power is turned on and theflexible display303 starts to be withdrawn or retracted by a rotation of the motor, the display area may expand, and the size of the content being displayed on the display area may change accordingly. On the display area, the content may be displayed from the top end, and as theflexible display303 is withdrawn or retracted in adownward direction331, as shown inFIG. 3, the content being displayed on the display area may be scrolled in an opposite direction to the withdrawal or retraction direction of theflexible display303, that is, in an upward direction.

For example, in response to theflexible display303 being withdrawn or retracted in a downward direction by about 30 cm,content311 having a length of 30 cm may be displayed on the display area. Herein, on the display area, a content of a length of 30 cm may be displayed. Herein, the entirety of thecontent311, the content of a length of 30 cm from the top end may be displayed on the display area.

In response to theflexible display303 being withdrawn or retracted in a downward direction by about 70 cm (323), the content may be scrolled in an upward direction so that thecontent313 of a length of 70 cm may be displayed on the display area. In an exemplary embodiment, thecontent313 having a length of 70 cm from the top end may be displayed on the display area.

In response to theflexible display303 being withdrawn in a downward direction by about 105 cm (325), the content may be scrolled in an upward direction so that thecontent315 of a length of 105 cm may be displayed on the display area. In an exemplary embodiment the content having a length of 105 cm from the top end may be displayed on the display area.

For the content being displayed on the display area to appear natural even though the flexible display has been withdrawn or retracted and the display area has expanded, a movement speed of the flexible display or expansion speed of the display area must correspond to the scroll speed of the content. That is, the speed at which the flexible display is withdrawn or retracted must be the same or about the same as the speed at which the content being displayed on the display area moves.

Table 1 is a list of the number of pixels that must be moved per frame according to different sizes of displays, in a case where a resolution of the flexible display is FHD (Full High Definition), according to an exemplary embodiment.

TABLE 1
Screen	Diagonal			Time-
size	line	Length	Pixel per cm	based	Speed-based

55-Inch	138 cm	68 cm	15.88235294	9	13.23529412
65-Inch	163 cm	80 cm	13.5	9	11.25
75-Inch	189 cm	93 cm	11.61290323	9	9.677419355
85-Inch	214cm	105 cm	10.28571429	9	8.571428571

For example, in response to the size of the flexible display being 55 inches, the number of pixels in a width direction is 1920, the number of pixels in a length direction is 1080, a diagonal length is 138 cm, and the length is 68 cm. When time-based, there exist 15.88235294 pixels per 1 cm. In response to the withdrawal or retraction speed of the flexible display being 1 m/sec and the number of frames of the content being displayed per second being 120, the content must be moved by about 13 pixels each time one frame is displayed. That is, the content being displayed on the display area must be moved by 11 pixels at a time in an upward direction per 0.0083 second. Furthermore, in response to the withdrawal or retraction time of the flexible display being 1 second, and the number of frames of the content being displayed per second being 120, the content must be moved in an upward direction by 9 pixels each time one frame is displayed. That is, the content being displayed on the display area must be moved by 9 pixels at a time in an upward direction per 0.0083 second. Herein, the withdrawal or retraction speed of the flexible display is 0.68 msec.

According to another exemplary embodiment, in response to the resolution of the flexible display being FHD (Full High Definition) and the size of the flexible display being 65 inches, the number of pixels in the width direction is 1920, the number of pixels in the length direction is 1080, the diagonal length is 168 cm, and the length is 80 cm. When length based, there exists 13.5 pixels per 1 cm. In response to the withdrawal or retraction speed of the flexible display being 1 m/sec and the number of frames of the content being displayed per second being 120, the content must be moved by about 11 pixels each time one frame is displayed. That is, the content displayed on the display area must be moved by about 11 pixels in an upward direction per 0.0083 second. Furthermore, in response to the withdrawal or retraction time of the flexible display being 1 second, and the number of frames of the content being displayed per 1 second being 120, the content must be moved in an upward direction by 9 pixels at a time every time one frame is displayed. That is, the content being displayed on the display area must be moved by 9 pixels in an upward direction per 0.0083 second. According to an exemplary embodiment, the withdrawal or retraction speed of the flexible display is 0.8 m/sec.

Table 2 shows a list of the number of pixels that must be moved per frame according to different sizes of displays in a case where the resolution of the flexible display is UHD (Ultra High Definition).

TABLE 2
Screen	Diagonal			Time-
size	line	Length	Pixel per cm	based	peed-based

55-Inch	138 cm	68 cm	31.76470588	18	26.47058824
65-Inch	163 cm	80 cm	27	18	22.5
75-Inch	189 cm	93 cm	23.22580645	18	19.35483871
85-Inch	214cm	105 cm	20.57142857	18	17.14285714

In response to the size of the flexible display being 75 inches, the number of pixels in the width direction is 3840, the number of pixels in the length direction is 2160, diagonal line is 189 cm, and the length is 93 cm. When length based, there exist 23.22580645 pixels per 1 cm. In response to the withdrawal or retraction speed of the flexible display being 1 msec and the number of frames of the content being displayed per second being 120, the content must be moved by about 19 pixels each time one frame is displayed. That is, the content being displayed on the display area must be moved by about 19 pixels in an upward direction per 0.0083 second. Furthermore, in response to the withdrawal or retraction time of the flexible display being 1 second, and the number of frames of the content being displayed per second being 120, the content must be moved by 18 pixels each time one frame is displayed. That is, the content being displayed on the display area must be moved by 18 pixels in an upward direction per 0.0083 second. According to an exemplary embodiment, the withdrawal or retraction speed of the flexible display is 0.93 msec.

In response to the size of the flexible display being 86 inches, the number of pixels in the width direction is 3840, the number of pixels in the length direction is 2160, the diagonal line is 214 cm, and the length is 105 cm. When length based, there exist 20.57142857 pixels per 1 cm. In response to the withdrawal or retraction speed of the flexible display being 1 msec, and the number of frames of the content being displayed per second being 120, the content must be moved by about 17 pixels each time one frame is displayed. That is, the content being displayed on the display area must be moved by about 17 pixels in an upward direction per 0.0083 second. Furthermore, in response to the withdrawal time of the flexible display being 1 second, and the number of frames of the content being displayed per second being 120, the content must be moved by 18 pixels each time one frame is displayed. That is, the content being displayed on the display area must be moved by 18 pixels in an upward direction per 0.0083 second. Herein, the withdrawal or retraction speed of the flexible display is 1.05 msec.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the display area of theflexible display303 expanding as theflexible display303 of theelectronic device100 is withdrawn or retracted according to an exemplary embodiment.

In the first view ofFIG. 4, content is not displayed on thedisplay area401 of theflexible display303. That is, theflexible display303 may be rolled up inside themain body301 and/or the power of the electronic device may be turned off.

In the second view ofFIG. 4, there may be adisplay area411 and screen offarea410 of theflexible display303. Furthermore, the screen offarea410 may display a black screen. As theflexible display303 is withdrawn or retracted in adownward direction421, thecontent403 is scrolled in anupward direction423 and thedisplay area411 expands. Thecontent403 is displayed from the bottom end of thedisplay area411, and as theflexible display303 is withdrawn or retracted, thecontent403 may be scrolled in anupward direction423. Furthermore, the screen offarea410 may be gradually reduced as thecontent403 is scrolled in anupward direction423.

In the third view ofFIG. 4, there may be adisplay area413 and a screen offarea412 of theflexible display303. Furthermore, the screen offarea412 may display a black screen. As theflexible display303 is further withdrawn or retracted in adownward direction421, thecontent405 is further scrolled in anupward direction423 and thedisplay area413 further expands. Thecontent405 is displayed from the bottom end of thedisplay area413, and as theflexible display303 is withdrawn or retracted, thecontent405 may be scrolled in anupward direction423. Furthermore, as thecontent405 is scrolled in anupward direction423, the screen offarea412 may further be gradually reduced.

In the fourth view ofFIG. 4, theflexible display303 is completely withdrawn to the outside themain body301, and there may only be thedisplay area415 on theflexible display303 showingcontent407.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a process of the content disappearing as the flexible display is rolled back into the main body of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

In the first view ofFIG. 5, theflexible display503 is completely withdrawn or retracted to the outside of themain body501, and thecontent511 may be displayed on the entire display area of theflexible display503.

In the case where theflexible display503 is rolled back into themain body501, theflexible display503 may be gradually rolled into themain body501, and accordingly, the display area may be reduced. As the display area is reduced, the content being displayed on the screen may be reduced or scrolled up in an opposite direction to the direction of movement of theflexible display503. That is, the content being displayed on the screen may be scrolled in a downward direction according to an exemplary embodiment.

The second view ofFIG. 5 is a view illustrating a part of theflexible display503 being rolled back into themain body501. As theflexible display503 is rolled back into themain body501, a part of theflexible display503 is rolled into themain body501, and accordingly thedisplay area523 is reduced. For example, when a size of the entire display area of theflexible display503 is 85 inches and the length is 105 cm, the length of thedisplay area523 may be 70 cm (reduced from the length of 105 cm). According to an exemplary embodiment, only 70 cm length of theentire content513 is displayed on the screen. That is, as the content is scrolled in a downward direction, a part of the entire content disappears, and only 70 cm from the top end may be displayed.

The third view ofFIG. 5 is a view illustrating theflexible display503 being further rolled into themain body501. As theflexible display503 is further rolled continuously, a part of theflexible display503 is further rolled into themain body501, and accordingly, thedisplay area525 is reduced. For example, when the entire display area of theflexible display503 is 85 inches and the length is 105 cm, the length of thedisplay area525 may be reduced to 30 cm. According to an exemplary embodiment, only 30cm length content515 from the top end from among the entire content may be displayed. That is, the content may be scrolled in a downward direction, and a part of the entire content may be scrolled up and disappear, displaying only 30 cm length of content from the top end.

The fourth view ofFIG. 5 is a view illustrating theflexible display503 being completely rolled into themain body501. As theflexible display503 is completely rolled into themain body501, the flexible display is not exposed to the outside, the display area disappears, and the content displayed on the screen disappears as well.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a process of content disappearing from theflexible display503 as theflexible display503 is rolled back into the main body of theelectronic device100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

In the first view ofFIG. 6, theflexible display503 may be completely withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body501, and there may be only thedisplay area621 of theflexible display503. That is, the entireflexible display503 may be thedisplay area621, and thecontent611 may be displayed in its full size on the screen. For example, when the size of theentire content611 is 85 inches, the length of thecontent611 may be 105 cm.

In an exemplary embodiment, when theflexible display503 is rolled into the main body, theflexible display503 may be rolled into themain body501, and accordingly, thedisplay area621 may be reduced. As thedisplay area621 is reduced, the content being displayed on the screen may be scrolled in anopposite direction633 to the direction ofmovement631 of the flexible display. That is, the content displayed on the screen may be scrolled in adownward direction633.

In the second view ofFIG. 6, adisplay area623 and screen offarea622 of theflexible display503 may be provided. Furthermore, a black screen may be displayed on the screen offarea622. As theflexible display503 is rolled back in anupward direction631, thecontent613 is scrolled in adownward direction633, and thedisplay area623 is reduced. As theflexible display503 is rolled into the main body, thecontent613 may be scrolled in adownward direction633. Furthermore, the screen offarea622 may gradually expand as thecontent613 is scrolled in adownward direction633.

In the third view ofFIG. 6, adisplay area625 and screen offarea624 of theflexible display503 may be provided. Furthermore, a black screen may be displayed on the screen offarea624. As theflexible display503 is further rolled back into the main body in anupward direction631, thecontent615 is further scrolled in adownward direction633, and thedisplay area625 is further reduced. Furthermore, the screen offarea624 may further expand gradually as thecontent615 is scrolled in adownward direction633.

In the fourth view ofFIG. 6, theflexible display503 may be completely rolled into themain body501, and only the screen offarea617 may exist of theflexible display503.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating a process of displaying content on theflexible display703 as theflexible display703 is withdrawn or retracted from theelectronic device100 according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates content display screens711,713, and715 with themain body701 andflexible display703 being withdrawn or retracted. That is, the display area of theflexible display703 may gradually expand, and accordingly, the content may be displayed on the display area as it expands.

Thecontroller105 may determine whether to display the content on theflexible display703 from the top end or from the bottom end depending on the attributes of the content. The attributes of the content may be for example, a list of videos, still images, prioritized plurality of items, and a list that includes a plurality of items. In an exemplary embodiment, the content is displayed from the top end or a bottom end based on determined attributes of the content.

For example, where the attributes of the content include a prioritized plurality of items, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display703 to first display a title of the list, and then the content from the bottom end as the flexible display730 is withdrawn or retracted. That is, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display703 to display the content while moving the content in the same direction as the withdrawal or retraction direction of theflexible display703 after the title of the list is displayed on theflexible display703.

In the first view ofFIG. 7, theflexible display703 is partially withdrawn or retracted in a downward direction. A part of thecontent711 may be displayed on theflexible display703. For example, a title of a prioritized list may be displayed on theflexible display703.

In the second view ofFIG. 7, theflexible display703 is further withdrawn or retracted in a downward direction. A part of thecontent713 may be displayed on theflexible display703. For example, on theflexible display703, some of the items in the prioritized list may be displayed starting from the least prioritized items. In response to the priority of theitems being item 1,item 2,item 3, anditem 4, on the display area,item 4 may be displayed and thenitem 3 may be displayed.

In the third view ofFIG. 7, theflexible display703 is completely withdrawn or retracted from themain body701, and the entire display area is exposed to the outside. On the display area of theflexible display703, theentire content715 may be displayed. For example, on theflexible display703, an item of the prioritized list or all items may be displayed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the order of displaying the items may beitem 4→item 3→item 2→item 1. That is, after the title is displayed, as theflexible display703 is withdrawn or retracted, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display703 to display the content while moving it in the same direction as the withdrawal or retraction direction of theflexible display703.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating content display screens811,813,815 according to a withdrawal or retraction state of theflexible display803 and themain body801 according to an exemplary embodiment. That is, the display area of theflexible display803 may gradually expand, and accordingly, the content being displayed on the display area may be displayed while gradually expanding.

Thecontroller105 may determine whether to display the content from the top end or from the bottom end on theflexible display803 according to the attributes of the content. The attributes of the content may be a list that includes video, still image, and a plurality of prioritized items, or a list that includes a plurality of un-prioritized items, according to an exemplary embodiment.

For example, in response to the attributes of the content including a plurality of un-prioritized items, thecontroller105 may display theflexible display803 to display the content as theflexible display803 is withdrawn or retracted. That is, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display803 to display the content while moving the content in the same direction as the withdrawal or retraction direction of theflexible display803.

In the first view ofFIG. 8, theflexible display803 is partially exposed in a downward direction. On theflexible display803, a part of thecontent811 may be displayed in adisplay area831. For example, a title of an un-prioritized list may be displayed on theflexible display803.

In the second view ofFIG. 8, theflexible display803 is further withdrawn or retracted in a downward direction. On theflexible display803, a part of thecontent813 may be displayed in adisplay area833. For example, on theflexible display803, a part of the items in the unprioritized list may be displayed. In response to the order of theitems being item 1,item 2,item 3, anditem 4, the items may be displayed on the display area in the order ofitem 1→item 2.

In the third view ofFIG. 8, theflexible display803 is completely withdrawn or retracted from themain body801, and the entirety ofdisplay area835 is exposed to the outside. On thedisplay area835 of theflexible display803, theentire content815 may be displayed. For example, on theflexible display803, the title of the un-prioritized lists and all items may be displayed. According to an exemplary embodiment, all the items may be displayed in the order ofitem 1→item 2→item 3→item 4. That is, thecontroller105 may control theflexible display803 to display the content while moving the content in an opposite direction to the withdrawal or retraction direction of theflexible display803 as theflexible display803 is withdrawn or retracted.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a turn on process of theelectronic device100 according to another exemplary embodiment.

In response to theelectronic device100 being turned on, theelectronic device100 may display a first image on the flexible display103 (in operation S901). According to an exemplary embodiment, a first image may be a booting image being displayed during a booting period of theelectronic device100. The booting image may be an image of a logo of a manufacturer or an image predetermined by a user. For example, in response to theelectronic device100 being turned on and a booting being started, theelectronic device100 may display a logo image.

Furthermore, in response to the power being turned on, theelectronic device100 starts to withdraw or retract theflexible display103 from themain body101. As theflexible display103 is withdrawn or retracted from themain body101, a part of the booting image may be displayed on theflexible display103. When the booting of theelectronic device100 proceeds, theelectronic device100 may display a second image on the flexible display103 (in operation S903). The second image may be EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data, a to-do list of the user, schedule data of the user, or an image set by the user, by way of an example and not by way of a limitation. According to an exemplary embodiment, the EPG data may be EPG data that was synchronized during a latest operation.

Then, theelectronic device100 may check a network connection (in operation S905). In response to being connected to the network, theelectronic device100 may display user setting information on the flexible display103 (in operation S907). According to an exemplary embodiment, the user setting information may be information that the user pre-stored such as real time search words or real time viewing rate and the like.

In response to the booting being completed, theelectronic device100 may perform a normal operation (in operation S907). As the booting is completed, theflexible display103 may be withdrawn or retracted from themain body101. In an exemplary embodiment, as the booting is completed, theflexible display103 may be fully retracted from the main body.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process that is performed in response to power of the electronic device being turned off according to another exemplary embodiment.

In response to the power of theelectronic device100 being turned off, theelectronic device100 starts rolling theflexible display103 back into themain body101. According to an exemplary embodiment, a third image may be displayed on the flexible display103 (in operation S1001). The third image may be an image predetermined when theelectronic device100 was manufactured, or an image set by the user.

Theelectronic device100 may store EPG data while theflexible display103 is being rolled back into the main body101 (in operation S1003). Furthermore, theelectronic device100 may synchronize the to-do list or schedule (in operation S1005).

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of theelectronic device200 according to another exemplary embodiment.FIG. 11 illustrates theflexible display1101 andmain body1110. Themain body1110 may include acontroller1105 andsensor1103. Furthermore, themain body1110 may be provided with an accommodating space for accommodating theflexible display1101.

Theflexible display1101 may be rolled into themain body1110 or mounted such that it is withdrawable or retractable from themain body1110. Theflexible display1101 may be withdrawn or retracted manually from themain body1110. In response to theflexible display1101 being withdrawn from themain body1110, the display area may be exposed to the outside. A size of the display area may change according to an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101 from themain body1110.

Thesensor1103 may sense a withdrawal or retraction and/or an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101. Thesensor1103 may include an optic sensor, a gyro sensor, and a proximity sensor. The optic sensor may be a barcode sensor, and the optic sensor may recognize a barcode printed on theflexible display1101 and sense the withdrawal or retraction and an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101.

Furthermore, the optic sensor may recognize a color pattern or black and white pattern printed on theflexible display1101, and sense the withdrawal or retraction and/or an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101. The gyro sensor may be mounted on theflexible display1101, and according to the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101, a signal output from the gyro sensor may change.

Thecontroller1105 may control overall operations of theelectronic device200, and determine an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101 based on the signal output from the sensor. Thecontroller1105 may control theelectronic device200 such that the content being displayed on theflexible display1101 is scrolled in an opposite direction of the withdrawal or retraction direction of theflexible display1101 based on the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101. As theflexible display1101 is withdrawn or retracted, a size of the display area of theflexible display1101 changes. Thecontroller1105 may measure the amount and speed of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101 based on the signal being output from thesensor1103. Thecontroller1105 may scroll the content being displayed on theflexible display1101 in an opposite direction to the withdrawal or retraction direction of theflexible display1101 based on the amount and speed of the withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101. For example, in response to theflexible display1101 being withdrawn or retracted in a downward direction, thecontroller1105 may scroll the content being displayed on theflexible display1101 in an upward direction, that is an opposite direction to the withdrawal or retraction direction of theflexible display1101. Herein, the scroll speed of the content may be proportionate to the speed of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1101.

FIGS. 12 to 15 are views illustrating content being displayed on a display as a flexible display of anelectronic display200 is withdrawn or retracted according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates anelectronic device200, main body having a firstmain body part1201 and a secondmain body part1203, andflexible display1205, according to an exemplary embodiment. Theelectronic device200 may be a mobile apparatus. Theelectronic device200 may have a cylindrical or a polygonal cylindrical shape of itsmain body1201 and1203 and theflexible display1205. As theelectronic device200 i.e., thebody parts1201 and1203 are gradually separated from each other, theflexible display1205, inside themain body1201 and1203, may be exposed. The main body may include a firstmain body part1201 and a secondmain body part1203. A first part of the flexible display may be rolled around the firstmain body part1201, and a second part of theflexible display1205 may be rolled around the secondmain body part1203.

The firstmain body part1201 may include ahandle1202 configured to withdraw or retract theflexible display1205. The secondmain body part1203 may include ahandle1204 so that theflexible display1205 may be withdrawn easily. By the user grasping thehandle1202,1204 and pulling themain body parts1201 or1203 to the left or right, theflexible display1205 may be withdrawn or retracted. If theelectronic device200 does not have an additional driver for withdrawing or retracting theflexible display1205, the user may withdraw or retract theflexible display1205 from themain body1201,1203 using thehandle1202,1204.

As theflexible display1205 is withdrawn or retracted from themain body1201,1203, the display area may be exposed or open to the outside. In response to theflexible display1205 starting to be exposed or open to the outside, thecontroller1105 may control theflexible display1205 to display thecontent1211 on the exposed or open display area. According to an exemplary embodiment, the content being displayed on the display area may be a part of the entire content.

Thecontroller1105 may determine acentral position1215 of the currently exposed or openflexible display1205 based on a signal output from thesensor1103, and control theflexible display1205 to display thecontent1213 based on thecentral position1215. That is, thecontroller1105 may control theflexible display1205 to display the content such that a central part of the content coincides with the central position of theflexible display1205. Furthermore, thecontroller1105 may determine a left withdrawal speed at which theflexible display1205 is withdrawn from themain body part1201 and a right withdrawal speed at which theflexible display1205 is withdrawn from themain body part1203 based on the signal output from thesensor1103, and control theflexible display1205 to display the content such that the content expands from the center to the left and right at the left withdrawal speed and right withdrawal speed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the speed with which the content is displayed as it expands may be different between the left side and the right side.

When the flexible display is being withdrawn or retracted from themain body1201,1203, the left speed at which the left part of theflexible display1205 is withdrawn or retracted from the firstmain body part1201 and the right speed at which the right part is withdrawn or retracted from secondmain body part1203 may be different from each other, and an amount of withdrawal or retraction may also be different or vary between the left side and the right side. Even if the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1205 is different between the left side and the right side, thecontroller1105 may determine thecentral position1215 based on the currently exposed display area or display area that is open to the outside, and display the content with its center corresponding to thecentral position1215.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a main body and a flexible display of an electronic apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment. Theelectronic device200 may be a mobile device. The main body may include a firstmain body part1301 and a secondmain body part1303. In response to the user pulling the firstmain body part1301 and the secondmain body1303 to the left and right1321,1323, theflexible display1305 may be withdrawn or retracted from themain body1301,1303.

As theflexible display1305 is withdrawn or retracted from themain body1301,1303, the display area may expand and the width to length ratio of the display area may change. In response to the width and length ratio of the display area corresponding to the threshold value, thecontroller1105 may provide feedback corresponding to the threshold value. The feedback may be a visual feedback, auditory feedback and/or tactile feedback. Thecontroller1105 may provide feedback in response to the display area of theflexible display1305 expanding and the width and length ratio of the display area being a (1311), b (1313), and c (1315).

For example, in response to the display area of theflexible display1305 expanding and the width and length ratio of the display area being 4:3, thecontroller1105 may display on the display area a line corresponding to 4:3, generate a sound or provide a haptic feedback. In response to the displaying area expanding continuously, and the width and length ratio of the display area being 16:9, thecontroller1105 may display on the display area a line corresponding to 16:9, generate a sound or provide a haptic feedback. In response to the display area expanding continuously and the width and length ratio of the display area being 21:9, thecontroller1105 may display on the display area a line corresponding to 21:9, generate a sound or provide a haptic feedback.

FIG. 14 is a view illustration a main body and a flexible display of an electronic apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment. Theelectronic device200 may be a mobile apparatus. The main body may include a topmain body part1401 and bottommain body part1403. In response to the user pulling the topmain body part1401 and bottommain body part1403 in an updirection1421 and downdirection1423, respectively, theflexible display1405 may be withdrawn or retracted from the main body.

As theflexible display1405 is withdrawn or retracted from themain body1401,1403, the display area may expand and the width and length ratio of the display area may change. In response to the width and length ratio of the display area coinciding with the threshold value, thecontroller1105 may provide feedback corresponding to the threshold value. The feedback may be a visual feedback, an auditory feedback and/or a tactile feedback. In response to the display area of theflexible display1405 gradually expanding and the width and length ratio of the display ratio being a (1411), b (1413) and c (1415), thecontroller1105 may provide feedback, respectively.

For example, in response to the display area of the flexible display expanding and the width and length ratio of the display area being 3:4, thecontroller1105 may display on the display area a line corresponding to 3:4, generate a sound or a haptic feedback. In response to the display area expanding continuously, and the width and length ratio of the display area being 9:16, thecontroller1105 may display on the display area a line corresponding to 9:16, generate a sound or provide a haptic feedback. In response to the display area further expanding and the width and length ratio of the display area being 9:21, thecontroller1105 may display on the display area a line corresponding to 9:21 or generate a sound or provide a haptic feedback.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating anelectronic apparatus200 having a main body and a flexible display with a display area displaying icons according to another exemplary embodiment. Theelectronic device200 may be a mobile device. Theelectronic device200 may have a cylindrical or a polygonal cylindrical shape through themain body1501,1503 and theflexible display1511, and as theelectronic device200 is separated into a firstmain body part1501 and a secondmain body part1503, theflexible display1511 inside themain body1501,1503 may be exposed or open to the outside. The main body may include the firstmain body part1501 and the secondmain body part1503. A first part of theflexible display1511 may be rolled around the firstmain body part1501, and a second part of theflexible display1511 may be rolled around the secondmain body part1503.

The firstmain body part1501 may include ahandle1502 configured to withdraw or retract theflexible display1511. The secondmain body part1503 may include ahandle1504 so that theflexible display1511 may be withdrawn or retracted easily. By the user grasping thehandle1502,1504 pulling themain body1501,1503 to left or right, theflexible display1511 may be withdrawn or retracted from the main body. If theelectronic device200 does not have an additional driver for withdrawing or retracting theflexible display1511, the user may withdraw or retract theflexible display1511 from themain body1501,1503 using thehandle1502,1504.

In the left view ofFIG. 15, as theflexible display1511 is withdrawn or retracted from themain body1501,1503, the display area1505 may be exposed or open to the outside. On the display area1505,content1521,1522,1523 may be displayed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the content being displayed on the display area may be a part of an entire content. Thecontent1521,1522,1523 may be icons. Thecontroller1105 may determine an order of displaying the content on the display area based on an attribute of the content. In response to the content being an icon, thecontroller1105 may display the content from a left part thereof on the display area. For example, in response to the display area1505 of theflexible display1511 being partially disposed or open to the outside, thecontroller1105 may control theflexible display1511 to displaycontent1521,1522,1523 corresponding to a first row on the left side of among theentire contents1521,1522,1523,1524,1525,1526,1527,1528,1529.

As theflexible display1511 continues to expand to left/right, thedisplay area1507 expands, and on the expandeddisplay area1507, theentire content1521,1522,1523,1524,1525,1526,1527,1528,1529 may be displayed.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are views illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display using a pattern according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a view illustrating amain body1601,flexible display1603, and asensor1605 according to an exemplary embodiment. Theflexible display1603 may be rolled into the main body or withdrawn or retracted outside of the main body. A withdrawal or retraction direction of the flexible display may be adownward direction1643. Thesensor1605 may be an optic sensor, and the optic sensor may sense thepattern1610 printed on the flexible display. Thepattern1610 may be a QR code, barcode, black and white pattern or color pattern that corresponds to a pixel line of theflexible display1603. As theflexible display1603 is withdrawn or retracted, a value of thepattern1610 printed on theflexible display1603 may change, and thesensor1605 may sense an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1603 according to the changed value of thepattern1610.

FIG. 16B is a view illustrating apattern1611,1613,1615 printed on theflexible display1603. The pattern1610 (shown inFIG. 16A) printed on theflexible display1603 may be adiagonal line1611, aQR code1613, or acolor pattern1615.

Thepattern1610 may be printed on the display area of theflexible display1603. Otherwise, thepattern1610 may be printed on a rear surface of theflexible display1603. Otherwise, thepattern1610 may be displayed on the display area of theflexible display1603. This is provided by way of an example and not by way of a limitation.

A dottedline AB1621 is a virtual line representing that theflexible display1603 is rolled into themain body1601. A dottedline CD1623 is a virtual line representing that theflexible display1603 is completely withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body1601.

For example, adiagonal pattern1611 may be printed on theflexible display1603. A position from which thediagonal pattern1611 is sensed may change according to an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1603. Thecontroller1105 may determine an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1603 based on the position from which thepattern1610 is sensed.

Thepattern1613 may be a QR code, a barcode or a marking that is differentiable, and thepattern1613 may be printed in a different type of pattern for per pixel line. Thecontroller1105 may analyze a QR code signal output from thesensor1605 and determine the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1603.

Thepattern1615 may be a color pattern, and a different color pattern may be printed on each position corresponding to a pixel line. Thecontroller1105 may analyze a color signal output from thesensor1605, and determine an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1603.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are views illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of the flexible display using a gyro sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a view illustrating amain body1701 and aflexible display1717. A withdrawal or retraction direction of theflexible display1717 is adownward direction1643. On a rear surface of theflexible display1717, a flexible display withdrawal orretraction guide1713,1711, and agyro sensor1703,1705 may be installed. Thegyro sensor1703 may be installed inside the withdrawal orretraction guide1711. Thegyro sensor1703,1705 may be installed inside thewithdrawal guide1713.

Theflexible display1717 is completely withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body1701, and anangle1715 between a withdrawal orretraction guide1713 and withdrawal orretraction guide1711 may be a maximum angle. According to an exemplary embodiment, a difference between a data value of thegyro sensor1705 and a data value of thegyro sensor1703 may be a maximum difference. In response to the difference between the data values of the twogyro sensors1705,1703 being a maximum difference, thecontroller1105 may determine that theflexible display1717 is completely withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body1701.

FIG. 17B is a view illustrating that theflexible display1727 is slightly withdrawn outside of the main body. According to an exemplary embodiment, anangle1723 between the two guides is smaller than anangle1715 between the two guides when theflexible display1717 is completely withdrawn or retracted (as shown inFIG. 17A). Furthermore, the difference between the data values of the twogyro sensors1705,1703 is relatively smaller than that when theflexible display1717 is completely withdrawn or retracted outside of the main body (as shown inFIG. 17A).

That is, thecontroller1105 may determine an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1727 from the difference of data values of the twogyro sensors1705,1703. Furthermore, thecontroller1105 may determine a withdrawal or retraction speed or rolling speed of theflexible display1727 based on an amount of change of the difference of data values of the twogyro sensors1705,1703. Furthermore, thecontroller1105 may determine a withdrawal speed or rolling speed of theflexible display1727 from an amount of change of a difference of data values of the twogyro sensors1705,1703.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are views illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of a flexible display using a gyro sensor and a proximity sensor according to an exemplary embodiment. These figures illustrate a cross-sectional view of a main body according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18A is a view illustrating amain body1801, aflexible display1803, agyro sensor1805, and aproximity sensor1807, according to an exemplary embodiment. Theflexible display1803 is rolled into themain body1801. Theflexible display1803 may be rolled into themain body1801 or withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body1801 as it rotates. Thegyro sensor1805 may be installed on a rotation axis of theflexible display1803.

Thegyro sensor1805 may be rotated as theflexible display1803 is withdrawn, or retracted, or rolled. A signal being output from thegyro sensor1805 changes as thegyro sensor1805 rotates, and thecontroller1105 may sense theflexible display1803 being withdrawn or retracted or rolled based on the signal output from thegyro sensor1805.

Theproximity sensor1807 may sense a proximity of theflexible display1803. There is a difference between an extent of proximity of when theflexible display1803 is completely withdrawn or retracted into the main body and an extent of proximity of when theflexible display1803 is completely rolled or retracted outside of the main body, and an output value of theproximity sensor1803 may change accordingly. That is, as the output value of theproximity sensor1807 changes according to an extent of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1803, thecontroller1105 may determine an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1803 based on an output signal of theproximity sensor1807.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1903 using a variable resistance according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating amain body1901,flexible display1903,resistance adjuster1905, andvariable resistance1907 of an electronic apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. Thevariable resistance1907 may be disposed or placed in theflexible display1903. A resistance value of theresistance adjuster1905 may change according to an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1903, and thecontroller1105 may determine the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display1903 based on a difference of current value that flows to theresistance adjuster1905.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating sensing an amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display2003 using a variable resistance according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating amain body2001, and aflexible display2003 of an electronic apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. Theflexible display2003 is rolled into themain body2001. The flexible display may be rolled into themain body2001 or be withdrawn or retracted outside of themain body2001 as it rotates. In a rotation axis of theflexible display2003, a variable resistance orresistor2005 may be installed. A resistance value of the variable resistance orresistor2005 changes according to an amount of rotation. In response to theflexible display2003 being withdrawn or retracted to the outside of themain body2001 or being rolled into themain body2001, a resistance value may change as the variable resistance orresistor2005 installed in the rotation axis of theflexible display2003 rotates. As the resistance value changes, a current value that passes the variable resistance orresistor2005 may change, and thecontroller1105 may determine an amount of withdrawal or retraction of the flexible display according to the current value that passes the variable resistance orresistor2005. That is, thecontroller1105 may determine the amount of withdrawal or retraction of theflexible display2003 based on a signal output from the variable resistance orresistor2005.

Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the principles and spirit of an inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents. The description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (21)

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic device comprising:

a main body;

a flexible display to be rolled up, wherein the rolled-up flexible display is placed in the main body;

a motor configured to unroll the flexible display from the main body in a first direction;

a sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to a speed of rotations of the motor; and

a controller configured to:

in response to the unrolling the flexible display in the first direction by the motor, control the motor so that a first portion accommodated in the main body is exposed and control the flexible display to present first information on the first portion of the flexible display, and

in response to the unrolling the flexible display in the first direction by the motor while the first information is presented on the first portion of the flexible display, control the motor so that a second portion accommodated in the main body is exposed, and control the flexible display to present second information on the first portion of the flexible display and the first information on the second portion of the flexible display,

wherein the second portion is exposed closer to the main body than the first portion, and

wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine a speed of the unrolling of the flexible display based on the signal output from the sensor,

determine a speed of the moving a presentation position based on the speed of the unrolling, and

determine a number of pixels for moving the presentation position based on a refresh rate in combination with the speed of the unrolling.

2. The electronic device according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a driver configured to drive the motor to unroll the flexible display,

wherein the controller is further configured to control the driver and the motor.

3. The electronic device according toclaim 1,

wherein the controller is further configured to determine an amount of unrolling of the flexible display based on the signal output from the sensor, and determine an amount of a movement of the presentation position based on the amount of the unrolling.

4. The electronic device according toclaim 3, wherein, based on the amount of the unrolling corresponding to a threshold value, the controller is further configured to provide a feedback message corresponding to the threshold value.

5. The electronic device according toclaim 4, wherein the threshold value comprises a first value and a second value, and

wherein the controller is further configured to provide the feedback message corresponding to the first value based on the amount of the unrolling exceeding the first value, and provide the feedback message corresponding to the second value based on the amount of the unrolling exceeding the second value.

6. The electronic device according toclaim 4, wherein the feedback message is a visual feedback, and

the controller is further configured to control the flexible display to display a line corresponding to the threshold value.

7. The electronic device according toclaim 1, wherein, based on the flexible display being rolled, the controller is further configured to control the flexible display to change the presentation position of the first information in a direction opposite to a direction in which the flexible display is being rolled, and display a black screen on an area of the flexible display that has been rolled inside the main body.

8. The electronic device according toclaim 1, wherein, based on the flexible display being rolled, the controller is further configured to change the presentation position of the first information in a direction opposite to a direction in which the flexible display is being rolled, and turn off an area of the flexible display that has been rolled inside the main body.

9. The electronic device according toclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to determine the number of pixels for moving the presentation position based on at least one attribute of the flexible display in combination with the speed of the unrolling, and control the flexible display to present the first information by moving the presentation position by the determined number of pixels in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

10. The electronic device according toclaim 9, wherein the at least one attribute comprises at least one of a size of the flexible display or a resolution of the flexible display, and

wherein the controller is further configured to determine the number of pixels for moving the presentation position to at least one pixel so that the number of pixels varies based on the at least one of the size of the flexible display or the resolution of the flexible display.

11. The electronic device according toclaim 1, further comprising a second sensor configured to scan a pattern information on the flexible display and output a signal indicating a result of the scanning,

wherein the controller is further configured to determine an amount of the unrolling and the first direction, based on the signal output from the second sensor and based on the speed of rotations of the motor.

12. The electronic device according toclaim 9, wherein the first direction is one direction from among a downward direction and an upward direction, and the second direction is other direction from among the downward direction and the upward direction, the other direction being different from the one direction.

13. A content display method of an electronic device, the content display method comprising:

unrolling, by a motor, a flexible display from a main body of the electronic device in a first direction;

in response to the unrolling the flexible display in the first direction by the motor, controlling the motor so that a first portion accommodated in the main body is exposed and controlling the flexible display to present first information on the first portion of the flexible display; and

in response to the unrolling the flexible display in the first direction by the motor while the first information is presented on the first portion of the flexible display, controlling the motor so that a second portion accommodated in the main body is exposed, and controlling the flexible display to present second information on the first portion of the flexible display and the first information on the second portion of the flexible display,

wherein the second portion is exposed closer to the main body than the first portion, and

wherein the content display method further comprises:

determining a speed of the unrolling of the flexible display based on the signal output from a sensor, the signal corresponding to a speed of rotations of the motor;

determining a speed of the moving a presentation position based on the speed of the unrolling, and

determining a number of pixels for moving the presentation position based on a refresh rate in combination with the speed of the unrolling.

14. The content display method according toclaim 13, further comprising:

determining an amount of the unrolling of the flexible display based on the speed of rotations of the motor; and

determining an amount of a movement of the presentation position based on the amount of the unrolling.

15. The content display method according toclaim 13, further comprising:

determining whether an amount of the unrolling corresponds to a threshold value; and

based on the amount of the unrolling corresponding to the threshold value, providing a feedback message.

16. The content display method according toclaim 15, wherein the threshold value comprises a first value and a second value, and

wherein the providing the feedback message comprises:

based on the amount of the unrolling exceeding the first value, providing the feedback message corresponding to the first value, and

based on the amount of the unrolling exceeding the second value, providing the feedback message corresponding to the second value.

17. The content display method according toclaim 15, wherein

the feedback message is a visual feedback, and

wherein the providing the feedback message comprises displaying on the flexible display a line corresponding to the threshold value.

18. The content display method according toclaim 13, further comprising:

detecting the flexible display being rolled; and

changing the presentation position of the first information in a direction opposite to a direction in which the flexible display is being rolled.

19. The content display method according toclaim 18, further comprising displaying a black screen on an area of the flexible display that is inside the main body.

20. The content display method according toclaim 18, further comprising turning off an area of the flexible display that is inside the main body.

21. The content display method according toclaim 13, wherein the unrolling comprises one from among:

unrolling the flexible display downward or upward, to an outside of the main body, and

unrolling the flexible display in a right direction or a left direction, to the outside of the main body.

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